If you’re moving into a new home or have recently experienced a break-in and are looking to improve the security in your house, the locks are the best place to start. However, when you call a locksmith, you’ll be faced with the decision between rekeying and lock replacement. If you’re not familiar with the difference between these options, the guide below will shed some light on the process.

Rekeying

To understand rekeying, you’ll need to know a little bit about the inside of a lock. In the inner cylinder of the lock, where you insert the key, there is a series of spring-loaded pins that prevent the cylinder from rotating. Then, a key is cut that corresponds to each pin, raising them to a level where the lock cylinder can rotate. This lets you freely lock and unlock the door, while preventing other keys from opening the door unless their key matches the pins.

Rekeying involves removing these pins and setting them to a new combination. After that’s done, the locksmith will cut a new set of keys that match the pins, and you’ll feel safe because previous keys won’t be able to access your home. This is particularly helpful if you’re moving into a new home, lost your key and want to be certain no one can get in, or need to keep someone who has a key out of your home.

Replacing Locks

You may be asking yourself why you would opt to replace a lock when rekeying is usually faster and more affordable. However, there are several circumstances where replacement makes sense. For example, if you’re looking to increase the security in your home, you may need to upgrade to modern locks with a deadbolt or an electronic security feature. Additionally, replacing certain locks in your home lets you match the door styles and use a single key for every lock in the home.

Whether you need rekeying, lock replacement, or bike service, the experts at Jim’s Bike & Key Shop in Columbia, MO, can help. With their daytime emergency lockout service, they can easily get you back into your home, car, or business. They also provide bike adjustments, maintenance, and repairs. To discuss your needs with a locksmith, call (573) 442-7011, or visit their website to learn more about their bike services.